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Groundswell: meaning, definitions and examples

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groundswell

 

[ ˈgraʊndswɛl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

social movement

A groundswell is a popular movement or spontaneous wave of public opinion that arises among the general population. This term often refers to a sudden increase in awareness or support for a particular cause or issue. It can manifest through grassroots campaigns, social media, and community engagement. Groundswell can indicate a shift in societal norms or values, often driven by collective frustration or desire for change.

Synonyms

movement, rise, surge, upsurge, wave

Examples of usage

  • The groundswell of support for environmental reforms was evident during the protests.
  • There was a groundswell for social justice after the incident.
  • The politician tapped into the groundswell of discontent among the voters.

Translations

Translations of the word "groundswell" in other languages:

🇵🇹 onda de fundo

🇮🇳 भूमिगत लहर

🇩🇪 Wellenbewegung

🇮🇩 gelombang dasar

🇺🇦 грунтова хвиля

🇵🇱 fala podstawowa

🇯🇵 基盤の波

🇫🇷 vague de fond

🇪🇸 ola de fondo

🇹🇷 zemin dalgası

🇰🇷 기반 물결

🇸🇦 موجة القاعدة

🇨🇿 základní vlna

🇸🇰 základná vlna

🇨🇳 基础波浪

🇸🇮 osnovna val

🇮🇸 grunnbylgja

🇰🇿 негізгі толқын

🇬🇪 ძირითადი ვალი

🇦🇿 əsas dalğa

🇲🇽 ola de fondo

Etymology

The term 'groundswell' originated in the mid-20th century and is a combination of 'ground' and 'swell.' 'Ground' refers to the surface of the earth, while 'swell' denotes a rising or a bulging out. Initially, it described the phenomenon of water swelling, such as ocean waves or the rising tide. Over time, it evolved metaphorically to illustrate the concept of public opinion or movements building up momentum from the ground level. It became especially popular in the context of social movements and grassroots campaigns, reflecting how collective voices can grow stronger and gain visibility. The usage of 'groundswell' in political and social discourse highlights the power of community-driven action in effecting change.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,166 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.